Astros thin the competition at backup catcher

Published 3:53 pm, Thursday, March 17, 2016

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CatcherAlfredo Gonzalez
At only 23 years old and just 32 games above Single-A, it's doubtful Gonzalez is thought of as an immediate backup to Castro. The Astros think highly of him and added him to the 40-man roster though. After hitting .340 in 27 games at Single-A Lancaster, Gonzalez was called up to Double-A and hit .300 in 32 games. He's also a gifted defensive catcher. less

CatcherAlfredo Gonzalez
At only 23 years old and just 32 games above Single-A, it's doubtful Gonzalez is thought of as an immediate backup to Castro. The Astros think highly of him and added him to the ... more

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Houston Astros right handed pitcher Jordan Jankowski (65) waits his turn to pitch on the 10-pack during the first day of spring training workouts for pitchers and catchers at their Osceola County training facility, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Kissimmee. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Astros right handed pitcher Jordan Jankowski (65) waits his turn to pitch on the 10-pack during the first day of spring training workouts for pitchers and catchers at their Osceola County training ... more

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

Astros thin the competition at backup catcher

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KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Although the Astros will continue looking for catching options on the waiver and trade market, they trimmed the list of backup options to two by optioning Alfredo Gonzalez to minor-league camp Thursday afternoon.

"There's not a ton of playing time for him," manager A.J. Hinch said of Gonzalez. "He's got some areas behind the plate I'd like him to work on, some of his receiving, some of his game calling, his game management. And to get him down and playing every day, I think the most prudent thing to do is get him in minor-league camp."

Righthander Jordan Jankowski also was reassigned after he gave up three hits and three runs in 1 1/3 innings of the Astros' 7-5 victory over the Blue Jays in a split-squad game at Osceola County Stadium.

Gonzalez and Max Stassi, who will be out six weeks recovering from left wrist surgery to remove the hook of the hamate bone, were the only catchers on the 40-man roster other than starter Jason Castro this spring.

Tyler Heineman, 24, and Roberto Pena, 22, are the remaining candidates to back up Castro.

"More than anything they want me to work on my defense," Gonzalez said. "I have to try to work on calling games. I'll work on that in minor-league spring training. I feel very good because there are a lot of players ahead of me. I have to keep working to reach my goal."